NW Valley Times

The College of Engineering and Technology at Grand Canyon University recently held its Senior Capstone Showcase, where students presented innovative projects marking the culmination of their academic careers. The event featured a wide array of projects aimed at addressing real-world problems and showcasing technological advancements.

One of the standout projects was a pulley brace designed by a team of students to help prevent finger injuries for rock climbers. Karsten Brandsma, a biomedical engineering senior, highlighted the importance of their invention, stating, “There’s NO WAY nobody’s solved this yet.” The team is now working towards bringing their product to market, with Brandsma expressing hope to launch the pulley brace this summer.

Another team focused on combating porch piracy by creating a porch locker that opens once a barcode is scanned. Mechanical engineering technology senior Seneca Joseph shared the inspiration behind the project, stating, “What if we had an actual solution?” The team's innovative design not only aims to prevent theft but also considers the convenience of delivery drivers and aesthetics, with plans to further enhance the product with features like an app integration and an insulated compartment for food delivery.

Additionally, a group of engineering students developed a fully automated system for assembling emitter/detector active devices, partnering with Industrial Fiber Optics on the project. Senior electrical engineering major Jose Pacheco Sr. explained that the system streamlines the assembly process and improves efficiency, showcasing the students' dedication to innovation and problem-solving.

Furthermore, a team of students collaborated with GCU’s theatre department to enhance stage performances with a motorized, rotating platform. Grant Schuler, part of the team that worked on the project, shared the improvements made to the platform to ensure seamless functionality and create captivating theatrical experiences.

In another notable project, a group of IT and cybersecurity students developed the Humanitarian Unified Assistance System (HUA), a disaster case management communication platform designed to aid nonprofits in disaster recovery efforts. The team's goal is to test the system in Maui and eventually scale it globally to facilitate efficient and effective disaster relief operations.

Samantha Russell, the college’s director of interdisciplinary engineering capstones, commended the students for their dedication and passion towards their projects, stating, “The students’ dedication to their projects ... and their passion has exceeded my expectations." The showcase exemplified the students' commitment to innovation and problem-solving in the fields of engineering and technology.